Disability Management / Return to Work

As the economic
and human costs of worker injuries and illnesses rise, the demand for
controlling those costs increases. Although accidents and illnesses are often
preventable, and prevention is the best way to protect employees and control
costs, workplaces need a way to manage resources and assist employees when
injuries and illnesses do occur.

Disability management
is a collaborative strategy that optimizes the health and productivity of an
organization’s workforce through prevention, education, rehabilitation, stay at
work accommodation and return to work services.

An effective Disability
Management Program starts with early preventative measures; facilitates early
intervention in case of accident or illness; helps to maintain a positive
connection to the workplace; alleviates the concerns experienced by injured or
ill employees; and gets the worker back on the job in
a safe manner at the earliest time. Our three point assessments 'Employee, Attending
Physician, Employer' ensure appropriate medical assessments, referrals,
treatment and follow through are undertaken in efforts to minimize employee
absence and facilitate a timely return-to-work. Identification of, and referral
to, independent evaluators and
community treatment services (including Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work,
Physical and Occupational Therapy) that can augment vocational rehabilitation
programs.

A Disability Management
Program helps return employees to the workplace as part of their recovery. This
maximizes treatment while minimizing lost time and the associated human and
financial costs to the employee, their family, the employer and society. Studies
have shown that where Disability Management Programs exist, costs associated
with injury or illness – both human and financial – are significantly reduced.

Creating and maintaining a productive
workplace is a complex challenge. However, there are some basic principles that
will help to create the foundation for a healthy work environment.

Call
HR-Fusion for information on how to implement an effective Disability Management
Program that is genuinely a “win-win”
situation for all parties involved.